A man who killed one person and wounded another outside a downtown Shreveport nightclub with an illegal weapon in 2023 must serve life in prison, with another 55 years tacked on for good measure, a Shreveport judge ruled Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The life sentence is mandatory under state law and must be served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. The discretion to punctuate that life term with additional years was exercised by District Judge Chris Victory, who heaped the years on Brandon Lawayne Batiste, 32. Batiste was found guilty as charged of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm April 30, 2026, in Judge Victory’s court.

On July 15, 2023, Batiste shot and killed John Ruffin Jr., 41, outside the Phoenix Nightclub in the 100 block of Travis Street. His intended victim that evening was Bryson Turner, who was wounded. Batiste has a 2014 conviction for aggravated assault with a firearm and thus was prohibited from possessing a handgun at the time of the Phoenix shootings.

For Batiste’s conviction of attempted second-degree murder, Judge Victory decreed 40 years at hard labor, without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. For possession of firearm by convicted felon, Batiste must serve 15 years at hard labor, also without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. All the sentences are to be served consecutively.

Batiste was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys William J. Edwards and Courtney N. Ray. He was defended by Michael Enright and Carter Lawrence.

The case was docket No. 396444.

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The coordinated efforts of the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Drone Unit, and Marine Patrol led to the successful recovery of a stranded boater on Tuesday evening on Wallace Lake, according to Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr.

On May 27, 2026, at approximately 3:11 p.m., the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call from a concerned parent reporting that his 25-year-old son, Treston Decareaux, had gone out on Wallace Lake around midnight and had not been heard from for several hours. Family members believed Treston launched his boat from Cameron Park, located at 10500 Wallace Lake Road.

Sgt. Brian Johnson and Sgt. Larry Pierce with the Patrol Division immediately responded to Cameron Park to begin search efforts. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Treston’s truck and trailer were not at the boat launch. Deputies quickly deployed drone technology to conduct an aerial search of the surrounding area, but initial efforts did not locate the missing boater or his vessel.

A short time later, Treston’s aunt arrived on scene and informed deputies that she had received a text message from him at approximately 2:35 p.m. stating that he was experiencing mechanical problems and was stranded somewhere on the lake.

As the search intensified, Sgt. Johnson continued aerial drone operations while Lt. Chad Davis with Marine Patrol retrieved a patrol boat to begin an extensive on-water search. Meanwhile, Sgt. Pierce located Treston’s truck and trailer in the 11500 block of Cypress Gardens Road on the eastern side of Wallace Lake, helping investigators significantly narrow the search area.

At approximately 6:09 p.m., Lt. Davis located Treston and his disabled boat stranded on the northern portion of Wallace Lake. Treston was found safe and unharmed.

Lt. Davis safely towed the disabled vessel to a nearby launch, where deputies assisted Treston with loading the boat and ensuring he returned safely home.

“This incident highlights the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication displayed by our deputies every day,” said Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. “By utilizing advanced drone technology, marine operations, and coordinated patrol efforts, our personnel were able to bring this situation to a safe conclusion. We are grateful this young man was located safely and reunited with his family.”

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Shreveport Police have arrested a repeat offender in connection with multiple recent business burglaries across the city following an investigation by patrol officers and detectives.

According to the Shreveport Police Department, several businesses had been targeted over the past several days in what investigators described as similar-style burglaries. Officers reviewed surveillance footage from multiple crime scenes and were able to identify a truck believed to be connected to the incidents.

The vehicle was later located during a traffic stop in the 6900 block of Broadacres Road.

Police identified the driver as Michael Butler. During the stop, officers reportedly discovered Butler in possession of cocaine.

Investigators said officers were able to connect Butler’s vehicle, along with other investigative evidence, to at least three recent business burglaries in Shreveport.

Authorities also noted Butler has an extensive criminal history, including 36 prior burglary arrests as well as a previous arrest for unauthorized entry of a place of business.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be possible as detectives continue reviewing evidence tied to the burglaries.

In a statement following the arrest, Shreveport Police emphasized their continued focus on repeat offenders and property crimes targeting local businesses.

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Shreveport Police are investigating a fatal crash after a two-vehicle collision earlier this week resulted in the death of one of the drivers, authorities confirmed.

On May 22, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Shreveport Police patrol officers responded to a major crash at the intersection of Ellerbe Road and LA Highway 3132. Upon arrival, officers found two heavily damaged vehicles at the scene.

According to initial findings, a 2015 Volkswagen Touareg was traveling southbound on Ellerbe Road approaching LA 3132 when a white 2024 Honda CR-V exited the highway and turned into its path. The vehicles collided, causing significant damage to both.

Both drivers were transported to local hospitals with injuries that were initially believed to be non-life-threatening.

On May 26, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office notified the Shreveport Police Department’s Crash Investigation Unit that the driver of the Honda CR-V had died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing.

The crash marks another fatal incident on Shreveport roadways as authorities continue to review circumstances surrounding recent collisions in the area.

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A Southwood High School student was honored during the Shreveport City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, for an academic milestone making school history.

Christopher Daniels II, the Shreveport Chapter Top Teen representative for TLOD Shreveport Chapter, was formally recognized at Government Plaza after becoming the first student in Southwood High School history to graduate with an associate degree from Southern University at Shreveport Louisiana while still completing high school.

The achievement marks a significant academic accomplishment, highlighting Daniels’ ability to balance dual enrollment coursework at the collegiate level alongside his high school studies.

Community members and representatives noted the recognition during the council meeting as a moment of pride for both Southwood High School and the broader Shreveport area, emphasizing the importance of student achievement and advanced academic opportunities available through local educational partnerships.

Daniels’ accomplishment was celebrated as an example of academic excellence and perseverance, setting a new milestone within the school’s history.

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Residents across Caddo and Bossier parishes can expect an extended stretch of unsettled weather this week, with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms and temperatures remaining near seasonal averages.

Wednesday will bring mostly cloudy skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms across both parishes. Highs are expected to reach the lower 80s with light southerly winds around 5 mph. Rain chances are near 50 percent.

Wednesday night will remain mostly cloudy, with a continued chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Overnight lows will fall into the upper 60s with light and variable winds and continued 50 percent rain chances.

Thursday is expected to stay mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible throughout the day. A slight chance of morning thunderstorms may develop into a better chance of afternoon storms. Highs will climb into the mid 80s with light winds shifting northwest during the afternoon. Rain chances remain around 50 percent.

Thursday night will feature a lingering chance of showers and thunderstorms under mostly cloudy skies with lows again in the upper 60s.

Friday brings one of the higher rain probabilities in the forecast period, with showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms during the afternoon. Highs will remain in the mid 80s with rain chances increasing to about 60 percent.

Friday night will trend slightly drier, though a lingering slight chance of showers and thunderstorms remains possible under partly cloudy skies. Lows will stay in the upper 60s.

Saturday and Sunday will continue the pattern of unsettled weather. Both days will feature mostly cloudy skies with periodic chances for showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon hours. Highs will range from the upper 80s Saturday to the mid 80s Sunday, with rain chances between 40 and 50 percent.

Overnight lows through the weekend will generally remain in the upper 60s to around 70 degrees.

The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into next week. Monday will bring a mix of clouds and sun with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible, particularly during the afternoon. Highs will stay in the mid 80s with a 40 percent chance of rain.

Tuesday will feature mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of morning showers and a better chance of afternoon thunderstorms, with highs dipping back into the lower 80s and rain chances near 30 percent.

Caddo and Bossier parishes will remain in a persistent warm and humid pattern with daily rain chances through the week. While no widespread severe weather is currently indicated, residents should stay alert for brief downpours, lightning, and locally heavier storms during afternoon and evening hours.

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More than 53,000 Americans died on World War I battlefields.  Nearly 300,000 in World War II.  More than 33,000 in Korea.  More than 47,000 in Vietnam.

Always, and especially currently in the Middle East, the chance exists for deaths of Americans defending our country.

The numbers are seldom accurate for battlefield deaths.  That itself speaks to the horror and inhuman quality of what happens when countries collide, when warrior after warrior falls and becomes a number, maybe one uncounted.

No matter the final total, each was one.  And that One counted to friends and family.  It counted more than just about anything else did.  Someone was handed a folded flag.  Teary eyes heard Taps.  Real brothers and fathers and sons and daughters died.

An empty chair.

“Greater love has no one than this,

that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

In The Message, Eugene Peterson translates that verse in this way:

“It is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.”

In the backwash of Memorial Day, it is helpful and healthful to remember that someone died for us.  Some of those men and women, we will never know.  Heroic strangers —  wartime death, the ultimate sacrifice to freedom — should inspire us all, through love, to help and heal each other with goodness and understanding.

Today and every day is a good day to remember that through one good man’s death, through His blood, an otherwise fatal and eternal debt was paid, one that will lead to the end of war and death.  Every day is a good day to remember we were all bought with a price. Until the human heart can grasp enough to at least hint at the full meaning of and reality of Christ’s death, it can’t grasp the beautiful simplicity of the gospel, which is not about what we can do, but instead is about what has already been done for each of us.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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The biggest, most star-studded and fun-filled party of every summer for miles around is coming your way in a month.

Three days of festivities are approaching beginning Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27 for the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

The LSHOF’s Class of 2026 will be enshrined Saturday night, June 27 at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 67^th Induction Celebration.

The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday, June 25, with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street.

The Friday, June 26 schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The 2026 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event.

The slate on Saturday, June 27 kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.

At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.

Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening.

The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.

The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.

The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group:  Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.

Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.

LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.

The Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors. 

For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com via email.

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Remembering on Memorial Day a note found in a Cokesbury Hymn Book decades ago:

“David and ——— sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g” it read, and I realized David Coker’s situation no different than mine — we each had three sisters and such teases were not uncommon.

The Butler siblings attended Trinity Methodist Church at Chester & Paris streets, as did David, Judy, Donnie Sue and Ginger.

David and I weren’t pals — he was a Boy Scout, quiet, respectful and really bright; I leaned in the opposite direction.

But we both had those sisters who sometimes aggravated us, other times encouraged us, and helped shape us.

Two years older, I lost track of David after leaving Bolton High and becoming less and less a regular at Trinity.  Our paths merged again in Spring 1971.

Cecil Williams, city editor, walked up to my desk, handed this then-green Town Talk reporter a piece of paper and said “see what you can get on this for today’s edition.”

The  paper was off the AP teletype and was a daily recap of identified Vietnam War casualties. Among those listed — Capt. David L. Coker Jr., 26, Alexandria, La. KIA .

I told Cecil what I knew — David had three sisters, his father ”Lang” worked for the City of Alexandria —  and asked him to please use another reporter. He did and someone else reported, the only assignment I turned down in a long career.

Some of that story and some of what I learned later:

No draft for David, he volunteered for Army aviation duty in 1966 and was a few days from completing a second tour when his helicopter was shot down.

He had volunteered to attempt rescue of another helicopter crew in Quang Tri Province.

During his time in country he had started a Scout unit for South Vietnamese boys as well as one in Australia.

Call sign “Charlie Horse,” David  was a rotary wing unit commander with the 5th Air Cavalry, 5th Infantry Division.

His OH-58 Kiowa was one of 168 helicopters lost in a months-long operation against North Vietnamese Army infiltration from Laos.

According to the sequential listings on the Memorial Wall in Washington, a 23-year-old tail gunner sergeant from Michigan preceded David the same day, March 24, 1971, and a 21-year-old PFC from New Mexico came after David the same day.

The sergeant was confirmed killed but body never recovered; the reconnaissance private was killed by an explosive device. Both were listed as missing in action and are memorialized at a cemetery in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu.

David’s final resting place is a cemetery just down the road from my current home. His headstone includes “I am flying with God.”

Back to Cokesbury:

Somewhere in it is a hymn we often sang with a verse, as best I recall, “I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown, I shall align with Him on high.”

Fly, David, fly.

(Shown below:  Captain David L. Coker Jr.)

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Evangel alumnus Roy Morris hopes to rekindle the East Regional magic that sent him toward All-America honors last spring for the Northwestern State track and field team.

His NSU teammate, Parkway product Will Achee, aims to run to form as one of the top 10 seeds in the 400 meter dash to earn a ticket to Eugene, Ore., for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in two weeks.  

Louisiana Tech competitors Oscar Smith and Cobe Johnson are strong contenders to reach the national meet with top 12 finishes in their events.

They headline nearly four dozen entries from Northwestern and Tech who have qualified for the NCAA East Region Championships beginning today and running through Saturday at the University of Kentucky.

The 48 top marks in each individual event, and the top 24 in relays, qualified for the regional. The top 12 finishers in each event move on to the NCAA Outdoor Championships June 10-13 at Oregon’s Hayward Field.

Fifteen NSU men are joined by 18 Lady Demons, giving Northwestern a 33-person entry list topped only by LSU’s 36 competitors among state schools. Louisiana Tech is third with 15 total qualifiers among the men and women combined, and UL-Lafayette is fourth with 13.

Men’s competition is today and Friday. Women hit the track Thursday and Saturday. All four days are being streamed on ESPN+.

Smith will compete in the 110 meter hurdles today after running a 13.50 in the Jim Mize Invitational. It is the 12^th fastest in the qualifying field.
 

Johnson soared on his final long jump attempt at the Conference USA Outdoor Championships, leaping a personal best 25-9 ½ or gold. It is the 13^th longest jump in the field.

With his best of 25-4 1/2 that won the Southland Conference long jump, Morris is the 23^rd-ranked regional qualifier. He and Johnson jump today at 5 o’clock.

Last year, Morris finished 15^th at the NCAA Outdoors with a 24-7 ¾ mark, after navigating through rainy weather at the East Region for a ninth-place finish (24-8 ½) that earned him his trip to the national meet.

“When you’re an All-American as a freshman, of course you want to make it every year, which is a very tough task,” Demons’ coach Mike Heimerman said. “To make it to nationals is super tough, so Roy puts a lot of pressure on himself to be an All-American again.

“He is super talented and can jump much further. He just has to allow himself to do it and stay relaxed enough to do it. There’s a fine line with every athlete — having the capability to do it and allowing yourself to do it. That is where he’s at right now. He just has to relax, and he just has to do the things that he needs to do to allow himself to be an eight-meter jumper (26-3) because he is an eight-meter jumper.”

The long jump national qualifiers will be identified tonight as the 48-man field is whittled to the top 12.

In the running events, the field of 48 will be cut in half to run in Friday’s regional finals/national quarterfinals, where a dozen will survive and reach Eugene June 10-13.

Achee, also a sophomore for Northwestern, is the highest-seeded north Louisiana competitor, with his 400 dash time of 45.19 standing 10^th. He runs at 6:25 today, hoping to move on to a Friday evening regional final at the same time.

Five other NSU male entries are in the top 30 regionally.

Achee is among four Demons combining to rank 19^th in the 4×400 relay with a 3:04.45 time.

The NSU 4×100 relay is 26^th at 39.22. High jumper Randy Kelly, who has cleared 7-0 ½, ranks 22^nd regionally. Joining Achee in the 400 field is teammate Charlie Bartholomew, 27^th regionally with a 45.62 clocking.

Tech’s 4×100 relay squad is 30^th regionally at 39.26.

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By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Assistant AD for Communications

Five Centenary softball student-athletes were named to the 2026 Academic All-District® Softball teams by the College Sports Communicators, the organization announced on Tuesday.

The 2026 Academic All-District® Softball teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes softball honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.

The five Ladies recognized are all seniors — Emma Crow, Morgan Dawson, Abigail Hodgson, Alexis Roach, and Laine Sullivan. Crow and Sullivan each made the prestigious team for the second time in their career, Dawson for the first time, Hodgson for the third time, and Roach for the first time. 

To qualify for Academic All-District, student-athletes must hold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50, be at least a sophomore academically and athletically and appear in 90 percent of their team’s games or start 66 percent of them.

MAJOR SPONSORSHIP RENEWAL: Centenary Athletics proudly announces an extension of its partnership with Rice & Kendig, the Official Law Firm of Centenary Athletics, following another major donation to the College’s athletics booster club, the C Club.

The donation is the largest gift to The C Club ever and further enhances the relationship between the local law firm and the college.

“Centenary College Athletics is proud to partner with Rice & Kendig as a sponsor for Ladies and Gents sports,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation David Orr.

The connection between Rice & Kendig and Centenary College is deeply rooted. One of the firm’s partners, Marshall Rice, is a 2000 graduate of Centenary. His father, Carl Rice, who founded the firm, is also a proud Centenary alumnus, a member of the Class of 1967. Their enduring support of the institution reflects a multigenerational commitment to Centenary’s mission and values. Six employees of Rice & Kendig are Centenary alumni, three of whom are attorneys.

CAMP SEASON:  Summer camps are underway on the Centenary campus and registration is now available for the sports of basketball, football, baseball, and soccer. Check www.Gocentenary.com  for camp dates and cost, and more details.

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Nothing is harder to swallow than when a younger athlete comes along and replaces the older, more experienced player. Egos are shattered and feelings are sometimes hurt. No athlete likes to be put out to pasture. But in today’s bass fishing universe, that’s exactly what’s happening.

To say the young guns of bass fishing have arrived would be an understatement! No matter what sport you play, there comes a day when someone wants to take your spot. They respect you because of your experience and time you’ve given to the game, but they are the ones pushing you out of the sport you love. 

Today, a younger generation is making its mark on the sport of tournament bass fishing by utterly dominating tournaments with catches that no one has ever seen before. This past month a young buck, Andrew Rickman, 24 years old from Canton, Texas, made his presence felt by catching a record setting B.A.S.S. Nation record of 95 pounds,15 ounces over a three-day period.

Now to some this may not resonate, especially if you’re not familiar with tournament bass fishing. But what this young man did is nothing short of incredible! Maybe this will help you understand; he caught 15 bass over the three days and averaged over 6 pounds per fish — something that has never been done before in tournament competition. 

What makes this more amazing is the fact that he had never seen, let alone fished Toledo Bend in his entire life! Most anglers could add up three years of tournament catches and not even come close to 95 pounds of bass. This kid did it in three days with zero experience on the lake!

It’s just another testament to how good so many of these young anglers are. They are doing things and catching fish in ways the older generation of anglers have never dreamed about. 

One thing that is very noticeable about the young anglers of today; they spend a tremendous amount of time on the water learning new techniques and studying their electronic units like Forward-Facing Sonar so they can get better.

So many of these young anglers (due to forward-facing sonar) have been unfairly labeled as “scopers only.” But it’s a little unfair to put a blanket label over all of them because so many have been raised with old-school techniques and can catch bass with or without Forward Facing Sonar.  

To put a bow on this topic, if changes or FFS restrictions are not made with regards to bass tournaments, I highly suggest that the older anglers spend more time on the water learning how to use FFS during the off season and spend less time in the deer stand if they want to be competitive with the young guns that are on the rise in the bass tournament world. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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I’m about to tell you something no preacher has ever told you. You may want to sit down. You may want to brace yourself. You may want to alert the denominational office, because if this leaks out, it could change the face of Christianity as we know it.

Ready?

It is holy, righteous, and perfectly acceptable for you to say “No.”

Not “no” to sin—we already know that one. I’m talking about a radical, countercultural, spiritually liberating “no” to good things. To church things. To “we’vealwaysdoneitthisway” things. To “we need a warm body on this committee” things.

You no longer have to say, “Let me pray about it,” when you already know the Holy Spirit is whispering, “Child… absolutely not.”

You have permission—pastoral, biblical, Christcentered permission—to use the word “no” freely, joyfully, and without guilt.

We live in a culture that treats “no” like a fourletter word. We’re so polite, so conflictavoidant, so eager to be liked, that we twist ourselves into pretzels trying to find “winwin” solutions.

Meanwhile, our souls are running on fumes.

Jesus Himself said “no” all the time. He said “no” to crowds who wanted Him to stay. “No” to disciples who wanted Him to skip the cross. “No” to temptations that promised shortcuts.

If the Son of God could say “no” without guilt, surely His followers can too.

This revelation hit me while changing the air filters at the house. We have two units, which means two filters, which means two opportunities for sanctification.

I went to the discount store, the only place in Ruston that carries my size—and brought home the filters. When I unwrapped them, I noticed something odd.

Let me pause here.

Why is everything wrapped in plastic?  Who decided my air filter needed to be hermetically sealed like it was going on a space mission? Why is my chewing gum wrapped like it’s a national security threat?

Somewhere, a committee met, and not one brave soul stood up and said, “No. Wrapping an air filter in plastic is dumb.”

Back to the filter.

Under the plastic was a sheet titled, “Getting to Know Your Filter.” I’m sorry… what? I don’t want a relationship with my filter. I don’t need to know its hopes, dreams, or how many microns it filters. If you’re out there reading airfilter biographies, I say this with love: get a hobby.

So I said “no.” I refused to “get to know my filter.” And it felt good.

“No” creates margin. “No” creates Sabbath. “No” creates space for the things Jesus actually calls you to do.

We are exhausted not because God has overburdened us, but because we have said “yes” to things He never asked us to carry.

When you say “no” to the unnecessary, you say “yes” to: peace, presence, prayer, people and purpose.

You say “yes” to following Jesus instead of following expectations.

The cross itself is God’s great “no” to everything that destroys us—and His great “yes” to everything that gives life.

When you say “no” in the right places, you’re not being selfish. You’re being faithful. You’re choosing the narrow way. You’re choosing Christ.

So hear this clearly, boldly, and with pastoral authority:

You are hereby empowered to say “no.”  Not because you’re lazy. Not because you don’t care. But because your “yes” belongs to Jesus first.

And that, my friend, is the secret that might just set the church free.

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If every disagreement turns into a critique of how you communicate, the real problem may be what you’re not resolving—here’s how to break the cycle and start working as a team.

 See what Ida says 

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Frances Jeneane Enfinger Gordon-Bush passed away on May 22, 2026 in Shreveport, LA. Bro. Andrew Orr will officiate a funeral service on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 am at Hillcrest in Blanchard, La. Visitation with the family will occur Wednesday, May 27 5:00-7:00 pm (Hillcrest Blanchard). Graveside service and Interment will follow on Friday, May 29 at 10:00 am at Houston Cemetery in Miller County, GA.

Jeneane was born in Donalsonville, GA on August 25, 1956. She married Michael “Mike” E. Gordon and they eventually made a home in Northwest Louisiana, where she worked at International Paper Mansfield Mill as a data processor and as a secretary at C.E. Byrd High School for many years before earning her nursing degree. She then worked for a number of years at Ark-La-Tex Cardiology and Regional Urology. Years after the passing of Mike, she met and married Dewayne Bush of Center, TX, who was by her side throughout a lengthy battle with cancer. She loved spending time with her family and friends and relaxing at the beach.

Jeneane is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Gordon, her parents, Pete Enfinger and Reba Smith Enfinger, brothers Leon Enfinger, Raymond Enfinger, and Herman Enfinger, and sister Gloria Enfinger Swicord.

She is survived by her husband Dewayne Bush, son Justin Gordon and wife Melanie Ryan Gordon, grandchildren Tyler Gordon (Tori), Lily Gordon, and Harrison Gordon, great grandchildren Haisley and Olivia, sister-in-law Jeannie Gordon Conyers and husband Dewayne and sister-in-law Cherri Gordon, as well as several nephews and nieces. Also left to cherish her memory are Dewayne Bush’s family, including two sons, six grandchildren and numerous sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews.

Louisiana pallbearers are Tyler Gordon, Harrison Gordon, Charlie Bush, Clay Bush, Max Ryan, Joey Ryan, and Shawn Graham.

Georgia pallbearers are Tyler Gordon, Harrison Gordon, Kevin Conyers, Kevin Enfinger, and Michael Enfinger.

Honorary pallbearers are Dewayne Conyers and Chase Lucius.

The family would like to thank Robert Massingill, MD (Dr. Bob) and the Christus Highland Cancer Center staff, as well as the many other doctors and nurses that cared for Jeneane. They would also like to express their appreciation to Evans-Skipper Funeral Home in Donalsonville, GA.

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A memorial service for David Loy Hale (Doe) will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Woodridge Baptist Church, 850 East Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, LA 71106. A reception will be held in the Family Life Center directly after the service. Officiating the service will be Mike Hawkins.

Born in Belleville, AR to the late Loy Melvin Hale and Mable Knight Hale, the third son of four and one sister. His growing up years were spent on a family farm at the bottom of Spring Lake. David enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, graduating from Belleville High School in 1959. He attended college at the University of Arkansas where he was a member of Acacia fraternity and President of The Young Democrats.

David and his wife, Sue, made the move to Little Rock, AR where he received his juris doctorate from the first graduating class of the U of A Little Rock Law School in 1964. He went to work as a deputy prosecuting attorney. David’s career included private law practice, being a small claims judge as well as many business ventures. David was the national president of the US Jaycees in 1974. He and family resided in Tulsa, OK at the “Little White House” which was National Jaycee Headquarters.

They moved to Shreveport in 1994 to be closer to children and their families. He has been an active member of Woodridge Baptist Church- especially enjoying the Wednesday Bible Class led by Dempsey Allen.

David loved God, his family, friends, and our country. He had profound respect for all who serve. His life was filled with achievements, adventures, awards, and many diverse types of opportunities. He was always active- whether it was piddling in the yard, reading the Bible, or working on his project. Most of all, he loved his family and enjoyed them being around even though he could not “hear” them. David loved jokes and was quick to give a compliment. The glass was always half full.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Loy Melvin Hale and Mabel Knight Hale; siblings, John, Milas, Randy and Hazel; step-siblings, Allen and Sharon Holmes and step-mother, Oleta Hale. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Sue Green Hale; son, David L. Hale and wife, Traci; daughter, Amy Hale Juneau and husband, Tony; grandchildren, Mary Margaret, Hope and Cameron Talbert and husband, Cade and many nieces and nephews.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Dempsey Allen and the Sr. Men’s Bible Study of Woodridge Baptist Church.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Helping Hands at Woodridge Baptist Church or Voice of the Martyrs in Bartlesville, OK.

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Officers with the Shreveport Police Department responded to reports of gunfire on May 25 around 3 a.m. in the 100 block of Commerce Street, where officers encountered two groups actively shooting at one another, according to police.

Police said four SPD officers discharged their firearms during the incident, causing the suspects to flee the area. Authorities later took four individuals into custody and recovered multiple firearms from the scene.

One person sustained non-life-threatening gunshot injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Another individual was also transported for treatment of a non-firearm-related injury.

Police Chief Wayne Smith immediately contacted the Louisiana State Police, which will handle the officer-involved portion of the investigation.

As is standard procedure, the four officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

According to SPD, no officers were injured during the incident, and there is currently no indication that officers acted outside of department policy.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Over the past several weeks, deputies assigned to the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division and Patrol Division participated in an Operating While Impaired (OWI) Patrol Refresher Course designed to strengthen enforcement knowledge, investigative skills, and roadway safety awareness.

The course covered updated legal statutes, recognition of alcohol and drug impairment indicators, identifying impairing substances and drug categories, and the proper administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). Deputies were also required to successfully complete both practical and written examinations as part of the training.

The training was conducted inside the Sheriff’s Office newly opened Criminal Operations Building, utilizing the agency’s modern training room designed to support continuing education and advanced law enforcement instruction.

Instruction for the course was led by Sergeant McLaughlin, who serves as an instructor at the Bossier Sheriff’s Office Training Academy and supervises the agency’s K-9 Unit. Sgt. McLaughlin is also certified as an SFST Instructor, Intoxilyzer Instructor, and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), while additionally assisting with DWI Grant operations for the Sheriff’s Office.

This type of continuing education plays a critical role in ensuring deputies remain prepared to recognize impaired drivers, conduct thorough investigations, and help keep roadways safe for the citizens of Bossier Parish. Ongoing training not only strengthens professional certifications, but also reinforces the knowledge, confidence, and decision-making abilities deputies rely on every day in the field.

Sheriff Julian Whittington continues to encourage deputies to train consistently and pursue professional growth throughout their careers. He remains proud of the dedication shown by both the agency’s instructors and deputies as they work to strengthen their skills, expand their knowledge, and continue providing the highest level of service to the residents of Bossier Parish.

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